The 30 Greatest Hip-Hop Demos
By Chairman Mao | Mar 17, 2011 | 2:55 pm | Permalink
#3. Public Enemy "Public Enemy No. 1" (1985)
Public Enemy "Public Enemy No. 1 (WBAU Promo)"
Though not intended as a demo, Chuck(y) D’s Adelphi University radio promo—a raw, pause-tape take on P.E.’s future first single—was nonetheless the recording that caught Def Jam impresario Rick Rubin’s ear after being passed a copy by fellow BAU on-air host Doctor Dre (of Original Concept, and later, Yo! MTV Raps fame). This would result in an extended courtship by Rubin to sign Chuck as a solo artist. Determined to commit only to a group deal that included hype man Flavor Flav, Chuck held out until Rubin relented, thus officially commencing the career of one of hip-hop’s all-time greatest groups.
Stretch March 17th, 2011 at 06:26 PM
You forgot to mention Payday Records, as well as Freeze which was part of the Priority deal.
Shawn Biggs March 17th, 2011 at 09:55 PM
No body deserves to be number one other than B.I.G
verge March 17th, 2011 at 10:47 PM
The Organized Konfusion demos and quite a few others here, and NOT here, are much iller than Biggie's but it's a matter of personal taste. This is a cool list, props Chairman Mao, no way would I wanna sit here and rack my brain to do something like this. A part 2 of lesser known acts' demos would be the bee's knees.
Hannibal March 19th, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Why? Because that's all you know?
Kell Bc August 3rd, 2011 at 04:28 AM
Hannibal, that really made no sense.... knowing lesser known Demo Tape's takes more knowledge more time, more dedication to digging.... then a person like yourself going to google & typing the 50 of the best hiphop albums. I'm assuming you don't even know what Verge is about.... do some research & go a little deeper then the shallow waters of hiphop your only frolicking in you herb.
reese March 18th, 2011 at 01:07 AM
does anyone have downloads for some of these demos? it would of been cool if they put download links in the list too
MontePlus March 28th, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I agree... You should check us out at www.dynamicproducer.com
nubalance March 18th, 2011 at 01:07 AM
saafir boxcar sessions demo. slept - if youre tired then go take a nap - on. cenobites. fabulous fleas. beatnuts intoxicated demo. good job chairman.
Clarence Ray Ash March 18th, 2011 at 03:42 AM
This whole list is incredible. Thanks for taking the time !
GeeKay March 18th, 2011 at 04:06 AM
Nas' demo is the best imo. i listen to it everytime the seasons change..it jus thas that feelin to it
Clarence Ray Ash March 18th, 2011 at 04:25 AM
After having skimmed, and listened to several of these I hadn't heard all the way through ha ha.. I have to say: : Public Enemy should have been #one.. one.. one .one. one...
j love hater March 18th, 2011 at 04:57 AM
who the fuck is j love? that guy is already getting on my nuts!
Huh? March 18th, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Cage doesn't drop the N bomb at all in that song... Not even once.. Not sure where you guys pulled that from
He Who Hungers March 19th, 2011 at 10:28 AM
few bars before the end of the 1st verse.
Seriously? March 19th, 2011 at 05:07 PM
"Sick - I guess I am so could you please pass the Pepto / Next up, I'm stealing niggas hearts like I was klepto" Sooooooo, did you even listen to the song?
Huh? March 18th, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Cage doesn't drop the n bomb once on that song.. Not at all. What are you guys talking about??
verge March 19th, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Not sure exactly what you're talking about but I DO have Cage demos where he drops n-bombs here and there. Some of his better material, imo, no racist.